BAE Jacksonville delivers fourth Jackson Offshore PSV

FEBRUARY 23, 2016 — BAE Systems, Jacksonville, FL, shipyard caps recently delivered M/V Squall, the fourth and final platform support vessel (PSV) built for Jackson Offshore Operators, LLC under a program that began in 2012.

"The Squall is a well-built ship and is ready to perform the demanding duties required to support offshore drilling operations and crews," said David Thomas, general manager of BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair. "The outstanding partnership between Jackson Offshore Operators and our highly-skilled workforce has resulted in four superb workboats that we are very proud of."

The four vessel have been built to Guido Perla and Associates GPA 675J design.Construction of the 252-foot-long ship M/V Squall began in December 2014 and it was delivered on January 31, 2016, joining the M/V Breeze, Thunder, and Lightning, which were delivered in 2014 and 2015.

All four ships are Jones Act qualified and are designed to support close-in oil exploration platforms by shuttling supplies, equipment, limited amounts of product, and crew members to and from shore.

"The Squall and her sister ships are outstanding additions to the Jackson fleet," said Lee Jackson, president and CEO of Jackson Offshore Operators. "I appreciate the efforts of the talented BAE Systems shipbuilders over the last four years to deliver these four highly capable ships. We look forward to long, productive service from these ships."

The BAE Systems Jacksonville shipyard specializes in the maintenance, repair, overhaul, and conversion of commercial vessels. The shipyard is currently building an ocean-going tug and is providing maintenance services to mega-yacht operators and the U.S. Navy.

BAE Systems also operates six other full-service shipyards in Alabama, California, Florida, Hawaii, and Virginia.